Baby found in Montreal encampment as police, youth protection investigate

A police officer’s jacket at a press conference announcing that officers from the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) will be equipped with body cameras, on Friday, August 21, 2026, in Montreal. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi)

Montreal police (SPVM) have confirmed that a baby was removed from a homeless encampment last Friday.

The infant was found in an encampment near Notre-Dame Street in the city’s Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough.

SPVM spokesperson Johany Charland said the baby is believed to be about 1 year old and was in a tent with another woman.

Charland said she did not know the baby’s gender or health status at the time of the incident.

Police did not say why the baby was removed but noted that the child’s situation was complicated.

“We did establish the relationship between the baby and the mother,” Charland said.

The baby was taken into the care of Quebec youth protection officials.

Police and youth protection officials are now conducting a joint investigation.